This is a tough one. I had a hard time with this one. I liked the story line, I just couldn't relate to the characters, neither one of them. Bryan or Bear whichever you prefer was a horses arse most of the book and didn't even listen to Kenna when she tried to speak or ask a question. Kenna wasn't much better though I thought she was better than her best friend Sam who coaxed her into this trip knowing that the man who walked away from her years ago was going to be there. Kenna couldn't move on, what he did was just the shit. Seeing him again and being trapped on a tropical island in a double wedding with two of Bryan's coworkers at DEA was just trash. The men weren't much better.The set up to the story when Kenna's mothers ring goes missing was ok, until Bryan decides to investigate. Please this guy is DEA? And military and his two buds are DEA? And he's jacking around trying play policeman? Seriously? My magic 8 ball could have found that ring faster. Kenna could have figured it out if he'd have stayed the hell out of her way. He was a jackass to her through so much of the book it took me all I had to finish it. The friends, and man I use that term loosely weren't much better. Her Aunt who was also there seemed almost apologetic for her part in the whole mess.
Even as wise as she was at times, I didn't buy her and her friends either.
I really wanted to like this because I do like Christina's books. This one just missed the mark for me.

**arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review**
The above is my honest review and the opinions therein are my own

Please note: I received a copy of THE MAN I WANT TO BE via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

THE MAN I WANT TO BE gets 5 stars and here is why:

It’s a frenemies romance with a lovers to enemies to lovers twist!

Bryan and Kenna have known each other since elementary school, but their love is tested when he walks away without any explanation. Ten years later, they find themselves at a friend’s weekend wedding getaway and all hell breaks loose. Ms. Elle delivers a page-turner with hella-hot guys, sexy girls, and chemistry that is off the charts! If you like romance with a splash of humor and mystery, this book is for you. Highly recommend!

Old lovers reunite in this romance novel, where miscommunication plays a major role.
I found it hard to understand Tike’s leaving Kenna without explaining the reasons twelve years before. His feelings of being unworthy, of not being good enough for her, felt a bit forced sometimes (and his naivety about a particular medical procedure amazed me – loc. 2800).
The whole complot around the couple was too much for me, but Tyke and Kenna were good together and their love felt strong and authentic.

A distraction is just what Bryan needs for the week of his friends weddings.Too bad it comes with help from the person he needs distracting from. The beautiful beach setting and friends made this book even better for me. It put in the the mood for summer.

This is the third book in the series, this is Tyke's book along with his love interest Kenna. Kenna and Tyke were childhood sweethearts and they planned on getting married as soon as he came back from the army. However, plan changed, Tyke never came back to Kenna, instead he broke up with her threw email, how horrible. Kenna thought she had dealt with that pain, but she never got closure and she never moved on. The reason that Tyke broke up with Kenna was ridiculous and he should have just opened up to her, but he didn't he was a coward. I have to say that he kept annoying me when he was heartless to Kenna and kept insisting that they would never get back together and that they were over, it was just mean and unnecessary, and to top it off he was like a yoyo, wanting her and then changing his mind. I don't know how Kenna did, anyhoo the truth comes out and they give it a go..What saved the story for me was reading about Luke..STill I will now wait for Reese's book.

Bear is a very blunt man, "...you ever think about that? Maybe he just wants to sit and watch the game with a bowl of popcorn and his hand down his pants without listening to his woman complain about every single thing..." For someone who is a big, alpha man Bear coulsd be a bit of a wuss, “The little effer bit me!” he yelled, dancing around on one foot. “****! It’s biting me! The effing thing is still attached with his good claw!” I liked this book, I loved Bear and Kenna.

LOVED this book! This novel has it all - a compelling story, characters I cared about, poignant moments, and moments that made me laugh so hard I cried. I cannot even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this novel. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. Also, every time I think of Spike I will smile.

This is a mus read for fans of the genre. This one not only belongs on your TBR, it is worthy of being pre-ordered. The author is on my must read authors' list.